A Cat Named UGLY

I had come to know this story through my little sister who gave me its brief summary. I would like to share with you the story of a cat who had wanted to be loved, cared and be spared from the cruelty of this world. I had to warn you though; this story had made my eyes watery even before I finished reading it.

Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, love.

The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye, and where the other should have been, there was a hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side. His left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby, striped type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders. Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. “That’s one UGLY cat!!!”

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction.
If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness.

Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love. If you ever picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor’s dogs. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly’s sad life was almost at an end.
As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. It must be hurting him terribly, I thought. Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring.
Even in the greatest pain, that ugly, battled-scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly.

Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply — to give my total to those I care for.

Many people want to be richer, more successful, well-liked and beautiful — except for me. I will always try to be Ugly.

Author Unknown

“Ugly” the tomcat, in spite of the pain he had suffered, tried to share his love to others. He tried to reach out although it seemed that his simple act of kindness had been overshadowed by his ugly appearance. 

This short story isn’t just about a cat. In this world, we could see “Ugly” everywhere. He is not only a simple animal who hopes that someday, a Good Samaritan might end his suffering. He isn’t just a cat that suffered beating, stoning, splashing of hot or cold water, name-calling and shooing away.  He isn’t just a creature whose other eye had been missing, whose foot had been badly broken, and whose body had been covered with bruises. “Ugly” can be seen in the form of humans who needed our love and attention even only for a few minutes. Have we ever tried to help him? Sad to say, most of us, myself included, tend to judge others based on appearance. We are sometimes blindfolded with prejudice. 

On the other hand, had we thought of becoming like “Ugly”, who, in spite of the pain he had suffered, had still tried to reach out to others? The story of this tomcat illustrates humility, acceptance and hope.

This Christmas, most of us have been thinking of what to buy for ourselves. We have been busy decorating our houses, attending parties and planning our menus for Nochebuena.  How about reaching out for others, even just this once? I am sure that these “strayed cats” will be happy.

To the original author, I tried to find out who you are, but to no avail. Thank you very much for this awesome story.

Advance Merry Christmas, everyone.